Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention

The GAA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Programme is designed reduce the harm associated with alcohol and other drugs and is geared towards helping clubs to respond to drug and alcohol related issues in a practical and effective way at local level.

Moycarkey-Borris GAA Club Drug and Alcohol Policy

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael are committed as part of their overall philosophy to ‘Discourage the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco on the basis that they are incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity’

Moycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club believe that we need to work towards creating a safe, healthy club environment where we can develop the skills and attitudes necessary to cope with drug and alcohol related issues.

All club members, officials, coaches and volunteers as part of this club shall follow the law when it comes to illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco and shall display leadership and good example, particularly when dealing with underage members.

Definition of Drugs: For the purpose of this policy the term “drug” shall include all mood altering substances, both legal and illegal and involve substances such as: • Alcohol • Tobacco • “Over the counter” medicines such as paracetamol, anti-histamines, cough medicines etc. • Prescribed drugs such as antibiotics, inhalers, painkillers etc.• Volatile substances such as aerosols, glues, petrol, cigarette lighter fuels etc.• Controlled drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, amphetamines, magic mushrooms, cocaine, etc.• Performance enhancing sports related drugs as outlined by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Aims and Objectives:The aim of this policy is to ensure that all club members are kept safe from drug-related harm when involved in club activities.

Our objectives are:• To develop a consistent approach to drug-related issues to be adopted by all club members.• To develop procedures and protocols that address drug-related issues in the club.• To establish clear procedures for managing specific incidents of suspected drug misuse.

List of Recommended Actions The Chairperson and Executive of the club shall adopt and discharge actions from the following list as appropriate to the resources of the Club.

Moycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club shall take the following actions:

• The cup shall not be filled with alcohol during celebrations. • Coaches and Club Officials shall not drink alcohol while representing their club at matches or training sessions. It is recommended that coaches and club officials refrain from smoking while representing the club.• Cigarettes shall not be sold in the clubhouse.• Minor / Juvenile Medal ceremonies shall not be held in pubs in so far as possible.• Under 18’s shall not be brought to pubs on the way home from matches, outings or training sessions in so far as possible.• Alcohol shall not be served to players or any juvenile Under 18 years of age at any club function. Bar staff will be requested to check identification at such functions.• Alcohol advertisements shall be phased out on club jerseys.

All persons associated with our club can help prevent drug-related harm from occurring during club activities.

The following roles are recommended

Club Members • Be aware of and adhere to the Moycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club policy in relation to drugs.

Parents and Guardians • Support the club in the development and implementation of this policy including procedures for handling incidents of suspected drug misuse.• Set an example at home and when out socializing that will provide a pattern of responsible behaviour.

Coaches • Be aware of the possibility of drug misuse among players and pass on concerns with the aim of preventing harm.• Implement sanctions against any players who imbibe prior to any match or training session.

Club A.S.A.P. Officer• The A.S.A.P. Club Officer is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of this policy in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive.• The Club A.S.A.P. Officer is ¬¬¬ Liz Flanagan Phone no. 0504 43971 / 086 8236908

Club Chairperson and ExecutiveAll relevant information, paraphernalia or suspected substances found or received shall be forwarded to the Club Chairperson who shall consult with the necessary parties before taking relevant action based upon this policy. In the event of the Chairperson not being available to discharge these duties this responsibility will then automatically fall to the Vice Chairperson or Secretary.

Education programme about drugs and alcoholMoycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club shall arrange for a drug education programme for members, players, parents etc as appropriate. This drug education programme may include the promotion of club policy, provision of literature, workshops or information sessions.• The Club A.S.A.P. Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive shall arrange to provide drug education annually for adults associated with the club.• The Club A.S.A.P. Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive shall arrange to provide age appropriate drug education annually for young people associated with the club.

Protocol for dealing with drug misuse Moycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club shall endeavour to respond to all drug-related incidents in a firm but fair manner, with due respect for the safety and welfare of individuals involved, other members of the club and the wider community. We shall also fulfil any legal obligations that might apply.

Outline of RestrictionsThe misuse or supply of drugs is viewed as unacceptable by Moycarkey-Borris G.A.A. Club and is punishable by warnings, suspensions and expulsions as deemed appropriate. It is also unacceptable for members or officials to present for club duties while under the influence of a drug.

Reporting of Incidents Alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be referred to the Club Chairperson or nominee.

Recording of InformationInformation regarding alleged or confirmed incidents in breach of this policy shall be recorded in writing by the club chairman and stored in a locked drawer/filing cabinet either in the clubhouse or at the chairman’s private residence. At all times, such incidents shall be treated as confidentially as is possible. The recording of factual information is preferable and all opinions shall be stated as such. Responses to cases shall also be recorded in this way. Only in confirmed cases shall names of individuals be recorded.

ConfidentialityWhile every effort shall be made to respect confidentiality, it may not be always be possible to guarantee confidentiality in relation to drug-related incidents.

Involving Parents/Guardians Incidents involving any person Under 18 years of age will require their parents/guardians to be informed. Parents/guardians shall be invited to discuss what has happened and shall be informed of any course of action to be taken by the club. The Club Chairperson, in conjunction with any member of the Executive, shall inform parents/guardians on a case by case basis.

Garda InvolvementIncidents that involve the illegal supply of drugs shall require Garda involvement. In all other drug-related incidents, each case shall be considered on an individual basis and the decision shall rest with the Club Chairperson and Executive as to whether or not the police are involved.

SearchThe Club Chairperson and Executive retain the right to direct a search of any part of club property if there is reasonable cause to believe a substance in breach of this policy is contained therein. Two officials of the club shall be present during any form of search. Club Officials are not allowed to search an individual or their personal property. Where there is reasonable cause to believe a person has in their possession a substance in breach of this policy, they shall be asked to volunteer the substance. If they refuse, the Garda may be called in to conduct a search.

Disposing of suspected illegal substances If a suspected illegal substance is found on club property it shall be brought to the attention of the Club Chairperson. The substance shall be stored securely and the Club Chairperson shall then decide whether the Garda should be called to collect it, or whether it should be disposed of. Any disposal of suspected illegal substances shall be recorded and witnessed by two officials. At no time shall a suspected illegal substance be removed from club property by anyone other than the Garda.

Availability, use and storage of solvents and gasesA large number of solvent based products have the potential to be abused (e.g. deodorants, paints, thinners, cleaning fluids etc). All solvent based materials and gases shall be stored securely and safely away from public access.

Monitoring and EvaluationThis policy is in force at all times and during all activities conducted under the aegis of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. This policy shall be evaluated annually and after every drug-related incident. This policy shall come into effect on 29 December 2008 and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the A.S.A.P. Club Officer in conjunction with the Club Chairperson and Executive.